Algal uptake of U and some other metals: Implications for global geochemical cycling

Freshwater green algae Ankistrodesmus sp, cultured in dilute solutions of metals chelated with EDTA, revealed massive uptake of U. Examination of Thames River waters and selected micro-organisms of its aquatic ecosystem revealed an average dissolved U concentration of 1.46 ppb, representing about twice the global mean riverine solute concentration of 0.6 ppb U. Suspended particulates, principally algae, contain U at 10³ to 10⁵ times that of their river habitat, averaging 28 300 ppb U. One community of the filamentous algae Spirogyra sp. contained intracellular crystals tentatively identified as the Ca-oxylate weddelite. Studies of algae from a variety of environments have shown large concentration factors for a wide range of elements. Algae from an acid U mine tailings site contain up to 2.7% U (dry weight) plus very high concentrations of other metals. Micro-organisms may act as an important sink for metal solutes in the hydrosphere.